He was born Feb. 7, 1940, at Brinkley, to Bill and Irene Bain Keathley. He was a graduate of Little Rock Technical High School and the Southern Illinois University, was a master electrician, and retired from Arkansas Nuclear One in 1996.

He loved God, family and country and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He enjoyed being a private pilot for several years, and was former Chairman of the Russellville Airport Commission. He was a former Quorum Court member, founder and teacher of Russellville Apprentice, Inc., a member of the Russellville Downtown Rotary Club, and was Governor-appointed to the Arkansas Apprenticeship Coordination Steering Committee. He was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his step-father, Thomas Claude Ellis.

He was a loving husband for over 52 years to Wynona Keathley, and was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Additional survivors include two sons and a daughter-in-law, Bill C. Keathley of Fayetteville, and Donald Brett and Lucy Keathley of Little Rock; three grandchildren, Amanda Voyles and her husband, Eric, of Hendersonville, Tenn., and Elizabeth Cuneo and Christina Cuneo; three great-grandchildren, Ellis, Everett and Lailah; a special daughter, Heidi Keathley; his beloved dog, Howie; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10 a.m. today at First Free Will Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Blaine Rogers, and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International, Russellville Camp, Post Office Box 1604, Russellville, AR 72811; or to First Free Will Baptist Church Building Fund, 1100 East L Street, Russellville, AR 72801.

The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.